Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft and Phishing

ACS is committed to safeguarding the privacy of your personal information. But there are some steps that you can take on your own to protect yourself to the fullest extent possible.  ACS, nor any affiliated representative, will never request for your personal information (i.e. SSN, password, PIN) via phone or email. 

· What is Phishing?

· How to protect yourself

· Protect your documentation

· What to do if you suspect identify theft or have questions

What is phishing?

The increasing popularity of Internet Banking has brought with it an increase in Internet fraud called "phishing."  Phishing occurs when you, a cardholder, receives an e-mail, which appears to originate from a financial institution, credit/debit Card Company, government agency, or other well-known/reputable entity.

The message describes an urgent reason you must "verify" or "re-submit" personal or confidential information (e.g. Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords) by clicking on a link embedded in the message. The provided link appears to be the fraudster/scammer.

Once inside the fraudulent website, the consumer may be asked to provide Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords or other information used to identify you, the cardholder. When you provide the information, those perpetrating the fraud can begin to access your account or assume your identity. The Phishing email could also contain harmful viruses. 

Minimize your risk by managing your personal information wisely, cautiously and with an awareness of the issue, you can help guard against identity theft.

See helpful tips on the right-hand side of this brochure for further ways of avoiding identity theft.

How to protect yourself

— Take care to shield the electronic keypad when entering your PIN number at an ATM or merchant location. 

— Always take your receipt with you. 

— Don't write your PIN number on your debit card.

— Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or have service work done in your home.

— Don’t carry your social security card; leave it in a secure place. Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary.

— Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible.

Protect Your Documentation

— Shred or tear up outdated web statements, or notes taken from the IVR when retrieving your balance.

— Carefully monitor your account transaction history either by calling the Customer Call Center or via the www.EPPICard.com Web site.  You may detect unauthorized charges or withdrawals quickly. 

— Immediately report such unauthorized use to the ACS Customer Call Center using the number on the back of your card.

What to do if you suspect Identity Theft or have questions

Call US.  If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft (i.e., you notice unauthorized transactions on your debit card transaction history), it is important to act as quickly as possible to minimize the loss of funds in your account.  Please contact us at the number located on the back of your debit card.